The much awaited fifth and final Test of the thrilling ENG vs AUS Ashes 2023 five-match Test series is scheduled to take place at the Oval Cricket Ground in Kennington starting from July 27. England lost the Ashes series by drawing the fourth Test in Manchester. Even a draw in the last Test can seal the deal for the visitors, who haven’t won an Ashes on English soil since 2001.
Harry Brook of England fell agonizingly short of his maiden Test century against Australia as the visitors dominated the opening day of the fifth and final Ashes clash at The Oval. Brook’s impressive knock of 85 stood out in England’s total of 283 all out, even though he had a lucky escape when he should have been dismissed for just five runs. Surprisingly, Australia dropped five catches on the day, providing opportunities for the English batters to capitalize.
In response to England’s score, Australia got off to a solid start, losing just one wicket before the end of day. They finished the day at 61-1, trailing England by 222 runs. Usman Khawaja was unbeaten on 26, while Marnus Labuschagne, remained steady at the crease with an unbeaten 2 runs.Here in this article, we have covered everything you need to know about the Ashes 2023 England vs Australia 5th Test pitch report for day 2.
Also Read: ENG vs AUS Ashes 2023 5th Test, Day 2 FREE Live Streaming: When and Where to Watch England vs Australia Match Live on TV and Online
ENG vs AUS Ashes 2023 5th Test Day 2 Pitch Report
The pitch at Kennington Oval leans more towards favoring batters over bowlers, particularly in the initial stages of the Test match. The absence of substantial grass on the surface diminishes the advantage for fast bowlers, though they can still capitalize on the shine of the new ball. As the match unfolds and the pitch dries out, spinners come into prominence particularly on Day 4 and 5.
The toss-winning captain often faces a pivotal dilemma – whether to opt for batting first to exploit the favorable conditions or to bowl first and leverage any early assistance the pacers might get. The decision at the toss can significantly impact the outcome of the match, given the pitch dynamics and the way it evolves over the course of the game.
